21 Day Fast
PURPOSE: BETTER ME, BETTER WE
Embedded Files
Theme: Purpose: Becoming a Better Version of Yourself
Fasting Period: January 1 – January 21, 2026
Welcome to Your Purpose!
This 21-day journey is an exciting, active commitment to partnering with the Divine Architect to strengthen the very foundation of who you are. The ultimate vision for our ministry is We Want What God Wants, and that begins with securing the core of every individual believer.
From Perfection to Purposeful Progress
This fast is not about achieving sudden perfection; it is about embracing purposeful progress. We are dedicating 21 days to remove the distractions, the outdated systems, and the negative habits that hinder your God-given potential. Think of this as a spiritual software update: we are upgrading your Purpose by strengthening the best version of yourself, making you more effective and resilient in every area of your life.
Your Life is the Blueprint
God has an amazing, custom-designed purpose for you. Every day of this fast is a strategic step toward fulfilling that calling. As we strengthen your Inner Core, secure your Connections (relationships), and clarify your Calling (mission), you will witness real, tangible upgrades in your character, your clarity, and your faith. Get ready to step into 2026 not just surviving, but thriving—securely Built on Purpose and For Purpose.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
— Philippians 1:6
Disclaimer
Please consult your doctor before beginning any dietary fast. If you are unable to participate in a food fast, choose a Media or Activity Fast that stretches your spiritual discipline. Remember, the goal is always focus, not deprivation.
Daily Commitment:
Read & Reflect: Focus on the Scripture and the simple Reflection.
Act: Complete the Action step.
Pray: Pray specifically that God uses that day's focus to build a better version of you.
YOU GOT THIS, I BELIEVE IN YOU!
Fasting Options: Choosing Your Focus
Fasting Options: Choosing Your Focus
Youth (Ages 6-16)
Youth (Ages 6-16)
Social Media/Gaming Limit: Give up one specific app (e.g., TikTok, Snapchat) or one favorite video game.
ADULTS (17+)
Media Blackout: Give up all non-essential streaming, cable news, or social media for the 21 days.
Youth (Ages 6-16)
Youth (Ages 6-16)
Snack/Sugar Swap: Give up one category of treats (candy, soda, or chips). Swap it for water and fruit.
ADULTS (17+)
Daniel Fast: Restrict your diet to fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and water. Exclude meat, dairy, sugar, and caffeine.
Youth (Ages 6-16)
Youth (Ages 6-16)
Complaint/Argue Block: Go the whole day without complaining, arguing with siblings/parents, or gossiping. .
ADULTS (17+)
Time Tithing: Give up one hour of sleep or free time daily to dedicate specifically to prayer and Bible study.
WEEK ONE
JANUARY 1-7th
Strengthening My Inner Core (My Character & Mind)
Day 1
Jan 1st
Scripture: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
Reflection: Upgrade My Thoughts: Stop letting the world tell you who you are. The better version of you starts with a renewed mind focused on God's truth.
Action: Write down three negative thoughts you have about yourself. Pray over them and replace each with one positive Bible truth.
Day 2
Jan 2nd
Scripture: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry James 1:19
Reflection: Upgrade My Listening: The better me is slow to speak and quick to listen. This builds wisdom, stops arguments, and helps us hear God.
Action: For one hour today, only listen. Don't interrupt, argue, or correct anyone. Just hear them completely.
Day 3
Jan 3rd
Scripture: Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24
Reflection: Upgrade My Motive: God sees what's hidden inside. The better version of you acts from a pure heart, not just to look good to others.
Action: Pray the scripture. Ask God to show you one secret attitude (like envy or pride) you need to surrender.
Day 4
Jan 4th
Scripture: Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3
Reflection: Upgrade My Work: Everything you do—your homework, your job, your chores—can be a form of worship. Do it well, knowing God sees it.
Action: Choose one task you usually rush through or avoid. Complete it thoroughly and cheerfully, as if doing it for Jesus.
Day 5
Jan 5th
Scripture: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Reflection: Upgrade My Worry: Worry steals energy and peace. The better version of you chooses to trust God with every problem, no matter how big.
Action: Write down your three biggest worries. Give them to God in prayer, and leave the list on your chair—don't pick it up again today.
Day 6
Jan 6th
Scripture: Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
Reflection: Upgrade My Forgiveness: Holding grudges weakens your spirit. Forgiving someone frees you, not them. God’s purpose is to give you peace.
Action: Identify one person who hurt you. Pray for God to bless them, and release the right to hold that hurt against them.
Day 7
Jan 7th
Scripture: Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25
Reflection: Upgrade My Foundation: If your life is built on feelings or popularity, it will shake. The better you is built on the solid rock of Jesus.
Action: Re-read Matthew 7:24-25. Affirm out loud: "Jesus Christ is the only foundation for my life."
WEEK TWO
JANUARY 8-14th
Strengthening My Connections (My Relationships & Community)
Day 8
Jan 8th
Scripture: Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27
Reflection: Upgrade My Teamwork (Church): You are a crucial part of the church body. The better version of you steps up to help the whole team succeed.
Action: Find one way to actively help a ministry leader or pastor today (e.g., set up chairs, send an encouraging note, run an errand).
Day 9
Jan 9th
Scripture: No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:12
Reflection: Upgrade My Love (Family): God's love is made visible when we love each other. The better you shows up at home first.
Action: Show unexpected kindness to a family member (sibling, parent, guardian) with no strings attached.
Day 10
Jan 10th
Scripture: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
Reflection: Upgrade My Witness (School/Work): Your life is the strongest message you have. The better you lets your purpose shine where you spend your time.
Action: Commit to talking only positively about your school, job, or classmates today. Let integrity be your witness.
Day 11
Jan 11th
Scripture: Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38
Reflection: Upgrade My Generosity: The better you is open-handed. Giving your time, resources, or talent unlocks God's blessing in your life.
Action: Give something away today—a helpful skill, a valuable item, or money—without telling anyone.
Day 12
Jan 12th
Scripture: Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
Reflection: Upgrade My Burden Carrying: We are meant to help each other. The better you doesn't judge problems; you help carry them.
Action: Find someone in need (at church or in your neighborhood) and commit to praying for them by name for the rest of the week.
Day 13
Jan 13th
Scripture: A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35
Reflection: Upgrade My Unity: The world should see something different in how Christians treat each other. The better you seeks peace, not division.
Action: Pray for reconciliation with anyone in the church you feel conflict with. Initiate a kind conversation if possible.
Day 14
Jan 14th
Scripture: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, Philippians 2:3
Reflection: Upgrade My Humility: Putting others first is the fastest way to honor God. The better you promote others' success before your own.
Action: Compliment the work, effort, or idea of two different people today, focusing entirely on their strengths.
WEEK THREE
JANUARY 15-21st
Strengthening My Calling (My Mission & Future)
Day 15
Jan 15th
Scripture: His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness! Matthew 25:23
Reflection: Upgrade My Gifts: God gave you talents and skills on purpose. The better you works hard to grow those gifts for His glory.
Action: Spend 30 minutes practicing a skill God gave you (instrument, writing, math, etc.) with intense focus.
Day 16
Jan 16
Scripture: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Reflection: Upgrade My Vision: God has an amazing plan for your life. The better you trusts His plan, even when you can't see all the steps.
Action: Write a letter to your future self (a year from now) outlining one specific purpose goal you will trust God to help you achieve.
Day 17
Jan 17th
Scripture: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, Hebrews 10:24
Reflection: Upgrade My Encouragement: We are here to cheer each other on. The better you builds up the team around you.
Action: Send a specific, thoughtful text or email to three different people today, highlighting a strength you see in them.
Day 18
Jan 18
Scripture: Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Isaiah 58:6-7
Reflection: Upgrade My Justice: God cares deeply about the poor, the lonely, and the treated-unfairly. The better you acts on His compassion.
Action: Research one local charity or community need. Pray for it and think of one simple way you could contribute next month.
Day 19
Jan 19th
Scripture: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24
Reflection: Upgrade My Effort: Faithfulness isn't passive; it's running with endurance. The better you doesn't quit when things get tough.
Action: Finish one lingering task or project you started but haven't completed (even a small one) as an act of determination.
Day 20
Jan 20th
Scripture: Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24
Reflection: Upgrade My Stability: We are checking our structure. The better you reviews the strength of your Rock-built foundation.
Action: Review the past 20 days. Name one area where you are stronger now than you were on January 1st. Give God thanks.
Day 21
Jan 21
Scripture: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Reflection: Upgrade My Focus: In everything you do—eating, studying, working—do it for God’s fame. He gets all the credit!
Action: Commit the entire year of 2026 to this final purpose: To glorify God in everything. Write down one habit you will carry forward from this fast.
Pastor's Closing Message:
Pastor's Closing Message:
Now, Walk In Your Purpose!
Now, Walk In Your Purpose!
My Greater Friendship Family, we did it! We successfully completed the 21-Day Fast, "Purpose: Better Me, Better We"
Take a moment to simply thank God for the discipline, the clarity, and the strength He gave you. Every single day, whether you chose the Focus Fast, the Discipline Fast, or the Habit Fast , you made a deliberate decision to shift your energy and attention back to God. That is the victory!
For 21 days, we worked together to strengthen three vital areas: your Inner Core, your Connections, and your Calling. The negative habits and outdated systems that hindered your God-given potential have been removed. You are not leaving this fast the same person who started on January 1st. You are stronger, clearer, and more resilient. You have been Built on Purpose and For Purpose.
Remember the promise of our anchor scripture: "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" -Philippians 1:6. The work God started in you during these 21 days is guaranteed to continue.
Three Steps to Keep Your Upgrade:
Three Steps to Keep Your Upgrade:
Don't Revert: The fast removed distractions, like cable or social media limits, for a reason. Be wise about what you allow back into the space you created for God.
Affirm Daily: Continue to speak life over yourself. God sees what's hidden inside. The better version of you acts from a pure heart.
Run with Endurance: We ended the fast committing to run with endurance. This isn't the finish line; it's the beginning of a year where you walk out your purpose every day, doing everything for God’s fame.
Let us celebrate the transformation we've seen and carry this upgraded purpose forward into the rest of 2026. Step into the year with boldness!
In His Service,
Pastor Dr. B. Charvez Russell
GREATER FRIENDSHIP MB CHURCH
2600 EAST 38TH ST. MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55406
EMAIL: SUPPORT@GREATFRIEND.ORG
TELEPHONE: (612)827-7928
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